The Diamond Throne

mortal. The world is full of mischance. Might it not be wiser to –’
    ‘Mischance?’ Sparhawk cut him off quickly. ‘Where isyour faith, Martel? This is God’s design, not mine. God will not permit me to die until I have performed this service for Him. Have faith, dear brother. God will sustain and keep me against all perils. It is my destiny to fulfil this task, and God will see to it that I do not fail.’
    ‘Praise God!’ Arasham exclaimed ecstatically, ending the discussion.
    The doe-eyed boy brought in the melons at that point, and the conversation shifted to more general matters. Arasham delivered another rambling diatribe against the Church while Martel sat scowling at Sparhawk. Sparhawk kept his eyes on his melon, which was surprisingly good. It had all been too easy, somehow, and that worried him just a little. Martel was too clever, too devious to have been so easily circumvented. He looked appraisingly across the tent at the white-haired man he had hated for so long. Martel’s expression was baffled, frustrated and that was also not like him. The Martel he had known as a youth would never have revealed such emotions. Sparhawk began to feel a little less sure of himself.
    ‘A thought has just occurred to me, Most Holy,’ he said. ‘Time is crucial in this affair, and it is essential that my sister and I return to Deira at once to advise his Majesty that all here in Rendor is ready and to convey to his ears alone that word which is locked in both our hearts. We have good horses, of course, but a fast boat could take us downriver and deliver us to the seaport at Jiroch days earlier. Perhaps you or one of your disciples – might know of some dependable boat-owner here in Dabour whom I could hire.’
    Arasham blinked at him vaguely ‘A boat?’ he mumbled.
    A faint movement caught Sparhawk’s eye, and he saw Sephrenia move her arm as if only shaking back hersleeve. Instantly he knew what she had been doing all along.
    ‘Hire, my son?’ Arasham beamed at him. ‘Let there be no talk of hiring. I have a splendid boat at my disposal. You will take it, and with my blessing. I will send armed men with you and a regiment – no, a legion – to patrol the banks of the river to make sure you reach Jiroch safely.’
    ‘It shall be as you command, Most Holy,’ Sparhawk said. He looked across the tent at Martel with a beatific smile. ‘Is it not amazing, dear brother,’ he said. ‘Truly such wisdom and generosity can only come from God.’
    ‘Yes,’ Martel replied darkly, ‘I’m sure of it.’
    ‘I must make haste, holy Arasham,’ Sparhawk rushed on, rising to his feet. ‘We left our horses and belongings in the care of a servant in a house on the outskirts of town. My sister and I will retrieve them at once and return within the hour.’
    ‘As you see fit, my son,’ Arasham said eagerly, ‘and I will instruct my disciples to have the boat and the soldiers made ready for your journey downriver.’
    ‘Let me show you the way out of the compound, dear brother,’ Martel said from between clenched teeth.
    ‘Gladly, dear brother,’ Sparhawk said. ‘Your company, as always, fills my heart with joy.’
    ‘Return directly, Martel,’ Arasham instructed. ‘We must discuss this wondrous turn of fortune and offer thanks to God for His grace in providing it.’
    ‘Yes, Most Holy,’ Martel said, bowing. ‘I shall come back immediately’
    ‘Within the hour, Sparhawk,’ Arasham said.
    ‘Within the hour, Most Holy,’ Sparhawk agreed with a deep bow ‘Come along then, Martel,’ he said, once again smacking his hand down on the renegade’s shoulder.
    ‘Of course.’ Martel winced, once again shrinking from Sparhawk’s comradely blow.
    Once they were outside the pavilion, Martel turned on Sparhawk, his face white with fury ‘Just what do you think you’re doing?’ he demanded.
    ‘Testy today, aren’t we, old boy?” Sparhawk said mildly
    ‘What are you up to, Sparhawk?’ Martel snarled, looking around to be sure that no one in the crowd of hovering disciples could hear him.
    ‘I’ve just spiked your wheel, Martel,’ Sparhawk replied. ‘Arasham will sit here until he petrifies unless someone brings him that secret word. I can almost guarantee you that the Church Knights will be in Chyrellos when the time comes to elect the new Archprelate, because there won’t be anything going on in Rendor to drag them away’
    ‘Very clever, Sparhawk.’
    ‘I’m glad you liked